Pope Francis Makes Historic Visit to the U.S.

Pope Francis in America: Follow @ABC's live coverage of the Pope's historic visit to the US

Pope Francis is starting his speech (slightly earlier than expected) in Spanish.

by Meghan.Keneally9/25/2015 1:57:22 PM

Pope Francis begins his address by paying tribute to the United Nation's 70th anniversary. "All these achievements are lights which help to dispel the darkness of the disorder caused by unrestrained ambitions and collective forms of selfishness." Credit: ABC News

by Meghan.Keneally9/25/2015 2:02:27 PM

First applause break comes amid a mention about the need for "greater equity."

He said that is "especially true in the case of those bodies with effective executive capability, such as the Security Council, the Financial Agencies and the groups or mechanisms specifically created to deal with economic crises. This will help limit every kind of abuse or usury, especially where developing countries are concerned."

by Meghan.Keneally9/25/2015 2:07:10 PM

In address to @UN#PopeFrancis says world leaders should be "working to protect the environment"

"Consequently, the defense of the environment and the fight against exclusion demand that we recognize a moral law written into human nature itself, one which includes the natural difference between man and woman, and absolute respect for life in all its stages and dimensions," Pope Francis just said.

Pope Francis now citing drug trafficking, saying it's "another kind of conflict which is not always so open, yet is silently killing millions of people."

"Drug trafficking is by its very nature accompanied by trafficking in persons, money laundering, the arms trade, child exploitation and other forms of corruption. A corruption which has penetrated to different levels of social, political, military, artistic and religious life, and, in many cases, has given rise to a parallel structure which threatens the credibility of our institutions," he said.

by Meghan.Keneally9/25/2015 2:37:35 PM

He just circled back to his predecessors' trips to the U.N.:

"As Paul VI said: 'The real danger comes from man, who has at his disposal ever more powerful instruments that are as well fitted to bring about ruin as they are to achieve lofty conquests.'”

by Meghan.Keneally9/25/2015 2:40:33 PM

El Gaucho Martín Fierro, which the pope just quoted, is an 2,316 line epic poem from his "native land."

by Meghan.Keneally9/25/2015 2:43:07 PM

Applause all around. Standing ovation.

by Meghan.Keneally9/25/2015 2:46:04 PM

If you missed it, read the pope's full speech the general assembly here: abcn.ws

by Meghan.Keneally9/25/2015 2:48:57 PM

Pope Francis is treated to a multi-national choir after his speech. Credit: ABC News

by Meghan.Keneally9/25/2015 2:54:24 PM

He gave them two thumbs up and said a big "thank you!" when they finished.

He appreciated the costumes.

by Meghan.Keneally9/25/2015 2:55:21 PM

Another look at the choir's outfits. Credit: ABC News

by Meghan.Keneally9/25/2015 2:57:26 PM

Now, in a less stereotypical costume, Shakira is singing in the General Assembly.

The pope is not present.

by Meghan.Keneally9/25/2015 2:58:31 PM

Pope strongly condemns persecution of Christians, and others religious groups, who have witnessed destruction of places and worship.

The pope is accompanied by Cardinal Timothy Dolan as they walk towards the event at the 9/11 Memorial. Credit: ABC News

by Meghan.Keneally9/25/2015 3:12:07 PM

Pope Francis just paused to greet a police officer in a wheelchair.

by Meghan.Keneally9/25/2015 3:12:50 PM

Pope Francis prays at one of the reflecting pools. Watch the whole event here: abcnews.go.com

by Meghan.Keneally9/25/2015 3:14:49 PM

Spotted: The pontiff shaking former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's hand after a quick prayer.

by Meghan.Keneally9/25/2015 3:15:29 PM

Now Pope Francis is meeting with 11 board members from the museum and their relatives, all of whom have a connection to the events of that day.

by Meghan.Keneally9/25/2015 3:16:40 PM

What to expect at the 9/11 ceremony:

He is far from the only religious leader present, as Cardinal Timothy Dolan is going to introduce the pontiff, but there are also Jewish, Muslim and Sikh leaders involved in the ceremony.

While the pope's "prayer for remembrance" will likely be a highlight, some of the most moving moments may come while he is underground in the museum, housed at bedrock.

When Pope Francis descends to the 9/11 Museum, he will step off the elevator and immediately confront a mangled fire truck. The backdrop for the interfaith service of peace is the surviving retaining wall of the original World Trade Center.

The pope will skip the rooms that recount the day and al-Qaeda and enter the historical exhibition space in the room that houses artifacts from the aftermath.